Did you set goals or resolutions on January 1, but lost steam?

You’re in good company.

80 percent of people who set New Year’s resolutions are in the same boat and don’t ever achieve their goal. Two-thirds have stopped trying by February.

Want a second chance?

Make your goals SMART – Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Time Sensitive, write them down and make sure to share them with others to increase your chance of success.

When you set goals that are SMART you increase the odds of success.

Your goals should be as specific and detailed as possible.

For example, saying that you want to strengthen your marriage is too general.

However, stating that you will hire a babysitter for each Saturday night to go on a weekly date with your spouse is more concrete and specific.

Write your goal so that it can be measured and tracked.

If you set a challenging goal, break it down into smaller pieces to realize and celebrate success more often.

Don’t vow to get your home completely organized in one weekend. Focus on one area each week.

Decide to enlist help where needed.

Make sure your goal is realistic for you and your current lifestyle.

If you make a goal to run a marathon next month, but you have never run a day in your life, this is not a realistic goal for you.

Challenge yourself to reach your potential, but set yourself up for success at the same time.

Give yourself a deadline. Don’t fall prey to “I’d like to do this someday.”

Use start and end dates.

You can even establish a “to do” timeline in between.

Debbie Rosemont is a local businesswoman who writes a regular column about organization and productivity.